Protect Your Workforce & Ensure Compliance with Expert Assessments

Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) is a microscopic particulate created when materials such as concrete, stone, brick and engineered products are cut, drilled, ground or demolished. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause irreversible diseases such as silicosis and lung cancer.

WHS provides certified silica exposure assessments and exposure control plans tailored for Alberta and British Columbia worksites, ensuring compliance with the Alberta OHS Code, WorkSafeBC standards, and best practices established by occupational hygiene authorities. 

Our Silica Exposure Assessment & Control Services

Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposure Assessments

We conduct on-site air monitoring to measure silica dust concentrations and determine if exposure levels exceed regulatory limits set by:
  • Alberta Labour OHS Code
  • WorkSafeBC Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)
  • ACGIH & OSHA Standards

Exposure Control Plans (ECPs)

Western Health & Safety develops customized Exposure Control Plans (ECPs), including:
  • Engineering controls (ventilation, water suppression, dust collection)
  • Administrative controls (work scheduling, safe work procedures)
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations
  • Worker training and compliance strategies
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Compliance Support & Documentation

 We help businesses stay compliant with all provincial and federal regulations, providing:
  •  Written reports with exposure data analysis
  • Recommendations for dust control improvements
  • Assistance with regulatory compliance filings
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How to Reduce Silica Exposure in the Workplace

  • Use Wet Methods – Applying water reduces airborne dust.
  • Ventilation & Dust Extraction – Proper systems minimize exposure.
  • PPE & Respirators – Fit-tested N95 or higher-rated respirators.
  • Training & Safety Procedures – Educating workers on silica hazards.
  • Regular Air Monitoring – Ensuring exposure levels stay within legal limits.

💡 Did you know? Silica dust can remain airborne for hours, increasing exposure risks for all workers in the area.

Are You Compliant? Get a Professional Silica Assessment Today!

If your workplace involves cutting, grinding, drilling, or handling materials that produce silica dust, you need a silica exposure assessment to ensure compliance and protect your team.

At Western Health & Safety, we provide industry-leading silica exposure solutions tailored to your business. Our team of Certified Industrial Hygienists has helped companies across Alberta and British Columbia achieve regulatory compliance and worker safety.

📞 Book a Free Consultation Today!✔ Get expert exposure testing & compliance guidance
✔ Avoid costly penalties & regulatory issues
✔ Protect your workers & create a safer workplace
📞 Call Us: 403-241-6889
📩 Email Us: [email protected]
📍 Serving Alberta & BC
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Why Choose Western Health & Safety?

✅ 30+ Years of Expertise – Certified Industrial Hygienists specializing in silica safety.
✅ Regulatory Compliance Focused – Ensure full compliance with Alberta Labour & WorkSafeBC.
✅ Tailored Solutions – Custom Exposure Control Plans for your industry.
✅ Proven Track Record – Helping businesses stay safe & compliant.
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FAQs: Respirable Crystalline Silica

❓What Is Respirable Crystalline Silica?

Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) is a fine dust produced when materials like sand, stone, concrete, and brick are cut, drilled, or ground. Because these particles are so small, they can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing serious, irreversible health effects.

❓What are the Health Risks of Silica Exposure

Long-term exposure to silica dust can lead to severe occupational diseases, including:
  • Silicosis – A permanent lung disease caused by silica inhalation.
  • Lung Cancer – Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Leading to breathing difficulties and lung damage.
  • Kidney Disease – Linked to prolonged silica exposure.
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❓Who needs silica exposure testing?

Any workplace where materials such as concrete, mortar, brick, stone, or drywall are cut, ground, drilled, or demolished may release respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Employers in construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, and public works must assess worker exposure if there’s a reasonable likelihood that RCS is generated during tasks.
In Alberta and BC, exposure testing is typically required for:
  • Concrete cutting or coring
  • Sandblasting and abrasive blasting
  • Drilling or jackhammering
  • Demolition work
  • Handling silica-based products (e.g. grouts, tile adhesives)
Employers must conduct a hazard assessment and, where exposure is possible, initiate air sampling or exposure monitoring to determine risk levels.
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❓What regulations apply in Alberta and BC?

In Alberta, silica exposure is regulated under the OHS Code, which defines respirable crystalline silica as a designated substance. Employers must:
  • Complete hazard assessments (Part 2)
  • Follow occupational exposure limits (OELs) for crystalline silica (Schedule 1, Table 2)
  • Implement controls if exposure exceeds 50% of the OEL
  • Provide respiratory protection programs (CSA Z94.4) when engineering controls are not sufficient
In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC classifies crystalline silica as a designated substance. Employers must:
  • Follow Part 5 of the OHS Regulation
  • Monitor airborne levels where exposure is possible
  • Develop Exposure Control Plans (ECPs) if exposures may exceed action levels
  • Maintain records of worker exposure and training
Both provinces expect employers to use qualified professionals, such as Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs), to guide assessments and compliance efforts.
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❓Can RCS exposure be controlled on site?

Yes. Respirable crystalline silica exposure can be controlled using the hierarchy of controls, including:
  • Engineering controls: wet cutting, local exhaust ventilation, HEPA vacuums
  • Administrative controls: worker rotation, designated cutting zones, restricted access
  • Respiratory protection: where engineering controls aren’t sufficient, use CSA-compliant respirators with a proper respiratory protection program
  • Housekeeping: avoid dry sweeping; use wet methods or HEPA vacuums
  • Training: ensure workers understand the hazard, PPE, and safe work procedures
A well-documented Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is required in BC and Code of Practice is required in Alberta.
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modified December 2025
WHS - Occupational Hygienist